A climate activist serving one of the longest prison sentences in modern British history for peaceful protest has won his appeal against deportation.
Marcus Decker was jailed for two years and seven months for a protest where he climbed the Queen Elizabeth Bridge in October 2022. He was served with an automatic order in Dartford in October 2022. He served an automatic order in Dartford in October 2022. He served an automatic order in Dartford in October 2022. He was served with an automatic order in Dartford October 2022. He was served with an automatic order at Dartford in October 2022.
Had he not been successful in his appeal, the 36-year-old German national would have become the first person to be deported from the UK for peaceful protest. His legal team argued that such an action would be inseparable, violate his right to family life with his partner and children and further chill legitimate protest at a time of growing climate crisis.
Decker expected the Tribunal judge to make a decision on his case at a later date, but allowed his appeal at the end of Monday’s adjournment.
Said Decker: “After an intense day of legal proceedings and an hour of cross-examination for a great victory in this country that is not good to say to go now that comes to go now.
He was released from prison in February last year after serving 16 months. Because he began an appeal against deportation while in prison, he served longer than his fellow protester, Morgan Trowland, despite being given a longer prison term.
Decker’s appeal against the expulsion was supported by climate experts, religious leaders, celebrities and members of the public. The UN Special Rapporteur on environmental protection, Michel Fort, sent a 10-page letter to the government in opposition, while he also had the support of 22 award-winning actors and musicians and other artists.
Among those issuing statements opposing his dismissal pending appeal was former cabinet minister, Lord Divenson of Canterbury’s Chief Stiventific, Rowan Williams.
The home office has been approached for comment.